Kerala Congress probe report names Ramesh Chennithala as kingpin behind bar bribery scam conspiracy
Kottayam: The investigation report by Kerala Congress stated that Ramesh Chennithala was the kingpin behind the conspiracy against KM Mani in the bar bribery scam.
This was found out in the investigation held with the help of a private agency. Adoor Prakash and Joseph Vazhakkan were also part of the conspiracy by Congress I group. The report also stated that R Balakrishna Pillai and PC George were also part of the conspiracy.
After declaring his decision to join LDF Jose K Mani had alleged that KM Mani was stabbed in the back by certain Congress leaders. Jose was not ready to reveal the names of the leaders even though he was asked about it. However, the secret investigation report clearly points out the conspirators. The report stated that I group leaders conspired against KM Mani and that the bar bribery scam case was a result of this.
KM Mani had appointed an investigation commission with CF Thomas as its Chairman in 2014 when allegations of bar bribery were raised against him. All the findings of this investigation report points towards the I group and said that it was intended to destroy KM Mani and Kerala Congress. This conspiracy was led by Ramesh Chennithala, PC George, Joseph Vazhakkan and Adoor Prakash.
It is mentioned in the report that the conspiracy was hatched at a government guest house in Mundakayam and in the presence of an advocate from Ernakulam. The report also stated that Francis George, PC George and Balakrishna Pillai also took part in the conspiracy along with Jacob Thomas, Sukeshan and bar owner Biju Ramesh. There is also a special remark in the report that Oommen Chandy was also aware of this conspiracy.
The report also stated that the bar bribery scam also had the intention to replace Oommen Chandy with Ramesh Chennithala as the Chief Minister of Kerala. Ramesh Chennithala had met KM Mani in Pala with the same demand. However, KM Mani did not agree to these demands, the report said. This led to the bar bribery scam. There were big arguments between KM Mani and Adoor Prakash on the subject of title deeds. This prompted Adoor Prakash to join the conspiracy, the report said.
Adoor Prakash’s daughter is married to Biju Ramesh’s son. Biju Ramesh was made to raise the bribery allegations based on this relationship. A committee led by CF Thomas MLA, who died recently, was given the responsibility of investigating the case. However, a private agency was given charge after a proper investigation did not take place. This was later given CF Thomas. The report that has come out carries the signature of CF Thomas.
The report has come out at a time when the bar bribery scam case has become relevant again in the context of Kerala Congress (M) joining LDF. The report was submitted on March 31, 2016. This report was with senior Kerala Congress leaders until now.